Welcome,
You're not alone.
Navigating life as an Asian Canadian or part of the Asian diaspora can be a unique and challenging experience. Whether you’re a first-generation immigrant, second-generation, or a Canadian disconnected from your Asian ancestry, here are some common challenges you might face:
As an Asian Canadian, we might struggle with...
Feeling Torn between Cultures
Balancing your cultural heritage with Western societal expectations can be overwhelming. You might feel like you're living in two worlds, trying to meet different sets of expectations and never quite fitting in either, and feeling confused where you belong.
Mental Health Stigma
Mental health can be a taboo topic in many Asian communities, leading to feelings of isolation and shame. You might be hesitant to seek help because you're worried about how it will be perceived by your family or community.
Ongoing Guilt and Shame
Feelings of guilt and shame are common, especially when you see your parents' sacrifices and hardships. You might feel pressure to work even harder to repay them and fear letting your family down. Additionally, some Asian families might have high expectations for their children because of their own immigrant experiences and upbringing, particularly in education and career. This can create immense pressure, leading to stress, anxiety, and shame.
Intergenerational Conflicts
"You should study this instead." "When are you getting married?" "When are you going to have kids?" Conflict between generations over values, lifestyle choices, and goals can cause significant stress. You might find it difficult to communicate your needs and aspirations to your parents or elders who have different perspectives.
Chronic stress from racism and the “model minority” myth
“Where are you really from?” “You must be good at math.” “Wow, you speak very good English!” – something doesn’t feel right about these statements, but you feel you’re not supposed to speak up and should just keep your head down. However, dealing with racist comments like these can significantly impact your self-esteem and leave you feeling invalidated and isolated. The model minority myth, suggesting you must be hardworking, intelligent, self-reliant, and successful, can add pressure to conform to unrealistic standards and mask the struggles you face. These issues can create feelings of inadequacy, shame, and isolation.
I’m here to provide a space where your experiences are seen, understood, and valued, supporting you in exploring and clarifying your identity in a way that makes sense to you.
What does Asian Therapy look like and how can I help as an Asian Therapist?
1 / Exploring Family Dynamics
We’ll delve into your family of origin to understand how your upbringing has shaped your beliefs and behaviors in relationships. This exploration helps uncover patterns that influence your current life.
2 / Processing Emotions
Therapy offers a space to process feelings of anger, frustration, resentment, disappointment, and grief regarding your parents and experience. We'll work on dealing with any guilt and shame associated with these emotions.
3 / Honoring Your Family
While addressing challenges, we also honor and appreciate your family’s sacrifices, and to celebrate the positive aspects of your heritage and upbringing.
4 / Challenging Unhelpful Beliefs
Together, we'll identify beliefs and expectations that no longer serve you. By challenging these, you can release what doesn’t align with your true self and hold onto what does.
5 / Finding Your Sense of Self
We’ll develop strategies to manage the stress and anxiety that come with high expectations from family and society. We’ll work on finding your own sense of self and belonging, helping you strike a balance between cultural expectations with personal desires.
6 / Connecting with Your Family and improving family dynamics
We’ll explore ways for you to best connect with your family, improving communication and understanding. We’ll also work on resolving conflicts and improving communication with family members, bridging generational gaps.
7 / Finding Your Voice
We’ll work on breaking stereotypes, helping you own your identity and practice speaking up for yourself.
You shouldn’t have to educate your therapist.
You deserve a therapist who understands your upbringing, social issues, and culture, and who honors all of that.
My Culturally Sensitive Approach
I understand the cultural nuances that shape your experiences and challenges. I strive to be respectful and inclusive of your cultural background, ensuring you feel seen and understood.
I acknowledge the intersectionality of our identities. Your story as an Asian Canadian or Asian diaspora is unique—there might be parts that resonate with common experiences and parts that don't. I honor both the common challenges and your individual journey.
I provide a non-judgmental environment where you can freely express your feelings and challenges. My goal is to help you navigate your unique journey with empathy and support.
Still unsure about Seeking Asian Therapy?
It’s normal to feel anxious about starting therapy. That’s why I offer a free consultation to answer any questions and help you feel at ease. For more common inquiries, you can also check out the FAQ page. Let's discuss your needs and how I can support you.
I’m here to help you embrace the beauty and fullness of your own identity.
